• Lovisa Baldursdottir, Sigridur Zoega, Gunnar Audolfsson, Vigdis Fridriksdottir, Sigurdur Ymir Sigurjonsson, and Brynja Ingadottir.
• Landspitali - National University Hospital of Iceland, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland.
• Laeknabladid. 2021 Dec 1; 107 (12): 581-588.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the long-term effects of burn injury on the health-related quality of life of adult burn survivors in Iceland and to validate the translated Icelandic version of the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B).Materials And MethodsThe participants of this descriptive cross-sectional study were all burn survivors, 18 years or older, admitted to hospital for 24 hours or more because of skin burn during a 15 years period (N=196). They completed questionnaire about their health (BSHS-B), health related quality of life (EQ-5D-5) and additional questions on burn-related symptoms and their burn experience.ResultsResponse rate was 34% (N=66). Men were 77%, mean age 45.7 years (sf=18.3 and range 18-82 years), mean age when burned was 34.0 (sf=20,1, range 1-75), median time from burn accident was 11.5 years (range 1-44 years) and 32% had been burned when under 18 years of age. Burn-specific health was 4.4-4.0 (median) and health on the EQ5D-5vas scale was 80 (median, range 10-100). Those who lost a body part or had skin transplantation had more negative body image and needed more selfcare than others (p<). A significant proportion of participants reported physical and psychosocial symptoms such as itch (48%), persistent pain (37%), anxiety/depression (29%) and negative self-image (37%). Majority (67%) believed they did not get enough information, follow-up, or support after discharge from hospital. The Icelandic version of the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) was reliable, but more research is needed to establish its validity.ConclusionThese findings suggest that most Icelandic burn survivors report acceptable health and health-related quality of life. The study identified a subgroup of survivors that experience persistent physical and psychosocial symptoms. Team approach with holistic support after discharge, for a prolonged period of time aiming at preventing physical and psychiatric morbidity, is recommended.

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